Who Should I Start? Robert Tonyan or John Bates

Friday, August 29, 8:53 AM

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan has been signed from the practice squad to the active roster on Thursday. Tonyan was cut by the team on Tuesday, but joined the practice squad a day later. Now, the 31-year-old makes the 53-man roster heading into Week 1. He'll serve as depth behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray to start the season. Tonyan hasn't been fantasy relevant in a few seasons, but did haul in 53 receptions in 2022. He also produced an 11-touchdown season during his time with the Green Bay Packers. Tonyan has shown he's capable of making big plays in the NFL. However, Tonyan won't have fantasy value to begin the season as the projected third string.

Wednesday, December 24, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates was outsnapped 37 to 27 by second-year tight end Ben Sinnott in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Bates has served as Washington's No. 2 TE for most of the season, primarily as a blocker. He posted his highest route share (50%) of the season in Week 15 with Zach Ertz (knee) out for the season, but that mark cratered in Week 16, falling to just 16%, his lowest since Week 2. Sinnott profiles as the better receiving option and is seeing his role increase in that area. He jumped to a season-high 56% route share last week. Bates seems to be trending back toward his typical role as the top blocking tight end and shouldn't be considered a fantasy option on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, especially considering Washington's starting QB is likely to be Josh Johnson with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) injured.